Amid the ever-decaying physical world of our universe there is a God who embraces the God-rejecting world (kosmos) in love (3:16), who continues to be at work wresting life from death, and who surprises us by being able to redeem even the deepest pain, assuring us that – while God never desires that we suffer – yet God can work through that suffering for good.

God is here. God is at work. God is not afraid of those parts of our lives that frighten us. God will not give up. God is on the side of life and love.

And the love, mercy, and life God offers is stronger than the hate, judgment, and death that too often colors the world. - David Lose

While interacting with members of my own faith, or ethnic, or gender community, or with others, if I hear hateful comments from anyone about members of any other community, I pledge to stand up for the other and speak up to challenge bigotry in any form.